When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Unexpected Atlanta
Why Unexpected Atlanta is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Unexpected Atlanta offers an exceptional and immersive way to explore Atlanta through its top-rated walking and food tours. Founded in 2015 by Akila McConnell, a home-grown Atlantan and passionate storyteller, the company brings the city's rich history and vibrant culinary scene to life with engaging narratives that combine both fun and important historical context. Unlike typical tours, Unexpected Atlanta integrates civil rights history and lesser-known stories in a compelling, honest manner, elevating the experience beyond common tourist attractions. Their passionate guides are not only experts on Atlanta’s culture and history but also enthusiastic about sharing the city’s unique character, making each tour an informative and memorable adventure. Highlights of their offerings include the Midtown Food and Mystery Tour, which merges gourmet dining with historical puzzles and stories, and the Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour that explores pivotal locations like Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center. With over 35,000 guests annually and thousands of five-star reviews, Unexpected Atlanta has become a beloved choice for locals and visitors wanting an enriching, authentic, and delicious way to discover the true spirit of the city.
Here's what people think of Unexpected Atlanta
As of recent, Unexpected Atlanta holds a 5-star rating based on 981 reviews.
Reviews across multiple platforms consistently praise Unexpected Atlanta for delivering captivating and well-organized experiences. Users highlight the tour guides’ deep knowledge, engaging storytelling, and ability to make Atlanta’s history relevant and compelling. Positive feedback frequently emphasizes the balance between education and entertainment, noting that guests enjoy both the historical insights and the delicious food tastings included in many tours. Customers appreciate the seamless planning and attentive customer service, which contribute to an effortless and enjoyable experience. Individuals particularly commend the guides’ rapport with group members and their skill in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Negative reviews, while rare given the overwhelmingly positive reception, tend to focus on logistical challenges such as occasional scheduling adjustments or difficulty accessing certain historic sites during tours. However, these issues are often met with prompt, professional responses from the company, ensuring customer satisfaction is maintained. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong consensus that Unexpected Atlanta provides an outstanding way to explore the city’s culture, history, and cuisine, making it a top recommendation for anyone wanting a unique and meaningful Atlanta experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Heidi Campbell
Really enjoyed our Grant park food and history tour with tour guide Courtney! I have lived in Atlanta for 34 years and didn’t even realize how much I didn’t know about the city’s history. The tour was well paced, the food samples were perfectly portioned, and the guide was knowledgeable and engaging!
Kaitlyn Caruso
You must take this walking tour and ask for the guide to be Zoe. It was an incredible morning and I am grateful for her knowledge. She shared so much information about the area and its history. Zoe's perspective and kindness will stay with me.
A.S. Hakim
I did the Historic Market Food Tour & Biscuit Making Class with Ariel. What a blast! Ariel was fun & knowledgeable, always a great combination. There’s a food tasting component of the tour where you enjoy bites from various vendors. We sampled oxtail & grits, jambalaya with chicken sausage, fried chicken banh mi, & banana pudding. My favorite part was the biscuit making. I don’t bake or eat biscuits so this activity was out of my comfort zone. However, Ariel cheerfully talked us through each step and demonstrated along the way. My biscuits came out great! I highly recommend this fast, fun & hands on tour with Ariel!
Alexandra Bradford
Leigh was an outstanding tour guide on our MLK walking tour! It has been one of my all time favorite experiences during a vacay/staycay. I highly recommend this tour and will definitely book with Unexpected Atlanta again!
J. M.
I recently participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour with Unexpected Atlanta, and it was an outstanding experience. Our tour guide, Kristin S., was phenomenal. Her knowledge was impressive, and her passion for the subject was truly inspiring. You could tell she genuinely enjoys what she does. This tour was an incredible learning experience, providing information and insights that aren't typically taught in schools. As a public health practitioner currently completing my Policy Fellowship in Atlanta, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of African American leaders. In my work with government officials to increase accessibility and advocate for communities, this tour gave me valuable context on the resilience and dedication required to fight for justice and equality. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of this significant part of history.
How to reach Unexpected Atlanta
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Why Unexpected Atlanta may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Unexpected Atlanta with your friends? Because this is not just any ordinary tour—it’s an immersive, interactive experience that connects you and your group through the rich tapestry of Atlanta’s history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re locals or visitors, Unexpected Atlanta offers an unparalleled way to explore the city that goes far beyond typical sightseeing. The company prides itself on delivering expertly crafted walking tours and food adventures that appeal to all ages and backgrounds, fostering genuine connections and shared memories among friends and family. With a remarkable 5.0 rating from nearly a thousand reviews, the quality and consistency of the experience are evident. You won’t just learn about Atlanta’s storied past or savor great food—you’ll also engage with knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s lesser-known narratives to life, making every step a new discovery. The social, fun, and educational format creates the perfect environment for bonding, laughter, and meaningful conversation. Whether it’s a casual hangout or a special occasion, Unexpected Atlanta ensures that your meetup has a vibrant, unforgettable soundtrack of stories and tastes that everyone will be talking about long after the day ends.
What types of activities does Unexpected Atlanta offer for group meetups?
Unexpected Atlanta specializes in walking tours designed to reveal the city’s hidden gems, history, and culinary scene, making each outing a dynamic group experience. One of the standout offerings includes the Prohibition Progressive Dinner, where small groups enjoy a guided stroll through several upscale restaurants, sampling curated drinks and dishes while learning about Atlanta’s Prohibition-era history. This format promotes a relaxed social atmosphere where friends can savor different venues without the hassle of transportation or planning, all anchored by a charismatic guide who balances informative storytelling with playful engagement. Besides themed food tours, the company offers various walking tours focused on Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods, including the Old Fourth Ward, rich in African American history and civil rights stories. Each tour is designed with active participation in mind, encouraging conversations among participants and interaction with community spaces often overlooked in conventional tours. For larger groups or corporate meetups, Unexpected Atlanta also provides tailored team-building adventures blending fun challenges with cultural education, ideal for those looking to deepen relationships through shared exploration and problem-solving.
Why is Unexpected Atlanta the perfect venue for a group meetup?
Unexpected Atlanta’s tours are uniquely suited for groups because they expertly blend education, entertainment, and social engagement in a highly flexible format. The small- to medium-sized group sizes ensure that everyone stays connected and involved, unlike crowded tourist spots where you might lose touch with your friends amid the noise. The tour guides excel at reading the room, adapting their storytelling to the group’s energy, and sparking lively discussions that keep everyone interested. Moreover, the walking tour format actively involves participants rather than just passively observing, creating natural opportunities for interaction and camaraderie. The culinary components turn the tour into a multi-sensory adventure, with stops at distinct local eateries that give a taste of authentic Atlanta flavors. Additionally, the company’s seamless organization ensures that booking, timing, and logistics require minimal effort from your group, allowing you to focus fully on the fun and connection. As many returning guests attest, Unexpected Atlanta’s team consistently goes above and beyond to personalize experiences, making each outing feel exclusive and memorable—perfect for special occasions or just a meaningful outing with friends and family.
What makes the guides at Unexpected Atlanta stand out?
The guides at Unexpected Atlanta are often described as the heart and soul of the experience. Their expertise goes beyond rote facts; many have deep roots in the community or extensive research backgrounds that enable them to share nuanced stories with warmth and enthusiasm. Guests frequently highlight how guides foster an engaging, inclusive atmosphere where questions and conversations flow freely. Rather than dominating the dialogue, the guides skillfully weave group interaction with historical narrative, making the experience feel like a shared adventure rather than a lecture. Their knowledge spans not only Atlanta’s well-known history but also reveals overlooked aspects of the city’s cultural and social evolution, including civil rights milestones and the city’s culinary transformations. This depth and approachability create a space where groups feel comfortable and connected, amplifying the bonding potential of the outing. Whether leading a tour through historic neighborhoods or a progressive dinner event, the guides’ unforgettable personalities and professionalism consistently receive high praise for making each event feel special and refreshingly authentic.
How does Unexpected Atlanta handle different group sizes and interests?
One of the strengths of Unexpected Atlanta is its adaptability to accommodate groups of varying sizes—from intimate family gatherings to corporate outings and private celebrations. The tours are structured to maintain an intimate feel even with larger groups, often by dividing participants into small cohorts led by dedicated guides to ensure everyone receives personalized attention. The itinerary flexibility allows groups to select themes or neighborhoods that align with their shared interests, whether those lean toward history buffs, food lovers, or a mix of both. For example, the Prohibition Progressive Dinner is ideal for groups wanting an upscale social evening, while heritage and neighborhood tours cater to those seeking a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s roots. The company also offers private tours and custom experiences that can incorporate specific requests, dietary preferences, or pacing needs, making it easy to tailor the outing for maximum enjoyment and comfort. This thoughtful customization ensures that every member of your group feels included and engaged, turning the meetup into a collaborative and inclusive event.
What can you expect in terms of food and drink during the tours?
Food and drink are centerpiece elements in many Unexpected Atlanta tours, designed to complement the historical and cultural storytelling with delicious, locally sourced flavors. The company curates visits to some of Atlanta’s most celebrated eateries, featuring a range of cuisines and specialties that showcase the city’s culinary diversity. Guests can expect tasting portions of signature dishes and drinks that reveal the influences and traditions shaping Atlanta’s food scene. The progressive dinner tours, in particular, provide a sophisticated tasting journey through several venues, highlighting prohibition-era cocktails alongside gourmet bites. This format not only delights the palate but also encourages conversation as group members savor distinct flavors in different settings, making each stop feel like a new chapter in the shared experience. The food-focused tours are carefully balanced to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring everyone is well served. This commitment to quality and inclusivity reinforces why dining with Unexpected Atlanta is so highly rated and why it enhances the social and cultural connection among friends during the meetup.
What makes the history and stories shared by Unexpected Atlanta unique?
Unexpected Atlanta distinguishes itself by focusing on the “hidden” or overlooked aspects of Atlanta’s history, offering narratives that are rarely encountered in mainstream tours. The company’s storytelling approach connects the city’s past to present-day cultural dynamics, highlighting not just landmarks but the human stories behind them. For instance, tours delve into the African American heritage of neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward and touch on Atlanta’s role in pivotal civil rights movements, providing context that enriches participants’ understanding and appreciation of the city. Guides also weave in tales of immigration, prohibition, and the evolution of Atlanta’s food culture, delivering a multi-dimensional perspective. These stories aren’t just recited—they are shared with passion, empathy, and a focus on how the past shapes the city’s identity today. This distinct approach both educates and inspires visitors and locals alike, fostering a deeper respect for Atlanta’s complex and vibrant legacy, making your group outing an enlightening and memorable experience.
How easy is it to book and prepare for a meetup with Unexpected Atlanta?
Booking a tour or event with Unexpected Atlanta is straightforward and user-friendly, contributing to a stress-free planning process for any group gathering. Tickets must be purchased in advance online due to the tours’ popularity and limited availability, especially for special events like the Prohibition Progressive Dinner. The company’s website provides clear descriptions of each tour option, scheduling flexibility, and detailed FAQs to help groups select the best experience for their needs. Additionally, customer service is highly responsive, assisting with special requests, recommendations, and logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. The company communicates clearly about starting points, length of tours, and any preparation needed, such as comfortable walking shoes or bringing water. Many reviewers note how the administrative staff’s attentiveness and professionalism contribute significantly to a seamless experience. Whether organizing a casual group outing or a formal celebration, Unexpected Atlanta’s efficient booking and thoughtful support ease the burden on group organizers, allowing everyone to focus on the fun and camaraderie.
What do guests say about their experiences with Unexpected Atlanta?
Feedback from guests consistently highlights the exceptional quality and distinctiveness of Unexpected Atlanta’s tours. With more than 1,500 five-star reviews across platforms, common praises include the knowledgeable and engaging guides, the well-paced and interactive nature of the tours, and the memorable combination of food and history. Many guests report that the experience exceeded their expectations, often describing it as “fun,” “eye-opening,” and “a great way to connect with friends.” For example, groups have turned these tours into annual traditions or special celebrations because of how enjoyable and enriching they are. The virtual tours offered by the company also receive acclaim for bringing the same level of excitement and informativeness into a remote setting, perfect for groups that can’t gather in person. Altogether, the overwhelmingly positive reception underscores Unexpected Atlanta’s status as a top-rated destination for group meetups, promising a unique, high-quality, and wholly satisfying outing that unites attendees through shared discovery and pleasure.
Why is Unexpected Atlanta a top-rated option compared to other activities in the city?
Unexpected Atlanta’s consistent 5.0-star rating from hundreds of reviewers is a testament to its quality and distinctiveness among Atlanta’s many tourist and cultural offerings. Where many city tours tend to be generic or too crowded, Unexpected Atlanta provides a tailored, intimate, and richly informative experience that visitors cherish. Its combination of expertly researched storytelling, engaging guides, carefully curated culinary tastings, and small-group dynamics creates a holistic experience few others can match. The company’s ability to balance education, entertainment, and social interaction enriches the meetup beyond simple sightseeing or dining. It is also notable that Unexpected Atlanta frequently receives top rankings on reputable platforms such as Tripadvisor, Yelp, and even mentions from National Geographic, underscoring credibility and excellence. For anyone seeking a meaningful, fun, and memorable gathering spot in Atlanta with friends or family, Unexpected Atlanta stands out as the premier choice to deepen bonds while enjoying everything the city has to offer.